Maddox Derkosh's parents launch Trucks for Maddox charity

Family turns boy's love of trucks into charitable effort

UPDATED 12:43 AM EDT May 08, 2013

PITTSBURGH -

Six months ago, toy trucks filled a Green Tree funeral home with donations pouring in from Pittsburgh to Hong Kong.

Now, Jason and Liz Derkosh have launched the Trucks for Maddox charity in memory of their 2-year-old son, Maddox, who died after he fell into the African painted dogs exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested everyone attending the funeral to bring a toy construction truck.

"The response was just so overwhelming and powerful, and the just the kindness of the coming together of our community, it provided such an opportunity to give underprivileged children a chance to have a toy construction truck," said Megan Hindes Levebvre, of Trucks for Maddox.

Maddox's parents asked Levebvre to speak on their behalf about the charity and how others can get involved.

"This is such a great way to keep Maddox's spirit alive in all of our hearts, and I think that's what's first and foremost for the family," said Levebvre.

The kick off for Trucks for Maddox will be at the Junior League of Pittsburgh's Touch-a-Truck event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18 in the Strip District. (Visit jlpgh.org for more details)

"This is such a great opportunity for everyone to just pick up a toy construction truck and bring it down to the event. There's actually going to be a huge backhoe loader we're just looking to fill to capacity," said Levebvre. "Please bring a toy construction truck in Maddox's honor and continue the life of this charity."

The toys will then be distributed to 13 children's charities, but other drop sites and events are planned in the future.

"This is not just going to be one event. This is a true charity that they're putting their heart and soul into, and it's such a way to keep Maddox's spirit alive," said Levebvre.

Investigators said Maddox Derkosh's mother picked him up and put him on top of a railing at the edge of a viewing deck on Nov. 4 when he lost his balance and fell into the African painted dogs exhibit, where he was mauled by the animals.